Annual report 2018-19

www.writersguild.org.uk

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain is a trade union registered at 134 Tooley Street, SE1 2TU Contents

3 General BRANCH REPORTS OTHER REPORTS Secretary’s report 22 London & 27 Editorial & 6 Chair’s report South East Communications Committee 8 President’s report 23 South West (Devon and OBITUARIES 10 Finance report Cornwall) 28 Remembering 23 South West   CRAFT COMMITTEE (Wessex) WGGB members REPORTS 24 Wales 11 Books 25 West Midlands 12 Comedy 26 Yorkshire and 13 Film North East 14 Radio 26 Vacancies 15 Television

Theatre 18 21 Videogames

CONTACT US JOIN US If you want to contact any of the WGGB Officers, If you are not a WGGB member, and Craft Chairs or Regional Representatives featured would like to join, you can do this online: in this annual report, you can find their details on our website: www.writersguild.org.uk www.writersguild.org.uk/contact/ Or by phone: 020 7833 0777 You can also follow us on Twitter: @TheWritersGuild Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewritersguild

2 WGGB annual report 2018-19 General Secretary’s report

In our 60th year we are celebrating the activism and achievements of the WGGB, the writers’ union. WGGB’s Equality Writes campaign has provided undeniable proof to employers that there is a serious issue with inequality in our industry, and they are now working with us to effect positive change for underrepresented groups of writers. Over the past few months, we have met with television Photo: Reece Lipman commissioners, ITV consulted with us during the @ Chocolate development of Comedy 50/50 for women writers, Films the BBC set up an equality and diversity group for writers, and our own Equality and Diversity and the challenges of reporting, and we celebrated Committee continues to grow in strength. progress made across the industry to tackle this. The campaign against free work continues. Recently, The morning session was chaired by WGGB a short film contract came across my desk, which President Olivia Hetreed, and I facilitated the closed offered a scriptwriter the opportunity (for use of a afternoon session with union activists who deal with better term) to have their work produced for free harassment cases. on a complete buyout of rights. This gives another In Europe, we continue to take an active part in meaning to “exploiting a script”. Just to clarify, a negotiating the implementation of the European professional writer is not being unreasonable if they Copyright Directive. Acting with the Musicians’ ask to be paid properly and it is standard practice Union and others, the WGGB fought off a to be paid in exchange for work, not the opposite. last-minute attempt to scupper the directive, which Unpaid work discriminates against writers without was finally adopted in April. The directive must independent means. now be published in the Official Journal of the EU, To further the fight against socioeconomic after which member states will have 24 months to discrimination, we are collaborating with implement the measures at national level. If we sister unions in the Performers Alliance, in the are out of the EU before implementation, we will parliamentary inquiry Breaking the Class Ceiling in campaign for the UK government to adopt the the Arts. A cross-party inquiry into the decline of directive. social mobility in the creative sector will gather oral Further afield, the WGGB continues to support and written evidence to identify how policy makers writers’ unions globally. WGGB stood alongside and others can effect change. It will investigate members of BECTU and WGA East protesting the barriers for those from lower socioeconomic outside the ITV AGM, supporting the WGAE in its backgrounds, review social diversity initiatives and dispute with ITV USA against discrimination and scrutinise best practice from across the industry. unequal pay suffered by US writer-producers, and In January, to further the long-term FEU campaign in its long-standing calls for union recognition. We Creating Without Conflict against bullying and are now supporting the WGA in its dispute with the harassment, the FEU hosted a conference entitled Association of Talent Agents to stop the practice From Disbelief to Dignity. Concentrating on sexual of packaging fees, whereby an agent can act as a harassment, we brought together members, union producer/investor in a programme/series written activists, organisations and employers to discuss the by a writer-client – clearly a conflict of interest and effects of harassment on freelancers detrimental to the agent-writer relationship.

www.writersguild.org.uk 3 Back on home turf, we continue to lobby all broadcaster S4C we negotiated a new improved political parties on Brexit. In November 2018, fee structure for their on-demand platform Clic, we co-organised a briefing session at the House effective from December 2018. of Commons titled “Brexit and the Audio-Visual A new fee structure has been negotiated for sector”. Over 30 MPs and peers attended, along podcasts, as part of the BBC Radio Drama with representatives from co-organisers Directors Agreement, and signed off in August last year. The UK, ALCS and the Society of Authors. Over the negotiations resulted in an increase in the public past two years, Chair Gail Renard has been leading service fee from 12.5% to 15%, which is the fee paid on this and has met regularly with MPs and peers. to writers for the five-year public service use. We have also held several briefing sessions alongside unions from the Performers Alliance, Federation of Other wins for writers at a glance: Entertainment Unions and other industry bodies.  a 5% increase for Emmerdale writers in August We will continue to lobby politicians during the 2018 and a further 5% in August 2019 current extension period (until October), lest they forget the importance of our industry, both  ITV – 2% from 1st November 2018 and an 20% culturally and economically to the UK. increase in attendance fees to £120 from 3rd May 2019 WGGB submitted a response to the Over-75s Licence Fee consultation. We stated that the BBC  UKT (theatre) – 4.5% from 1st May 2019 should not be expected to bear the cost of a free  ITC (theatre) – 2.5% from 1st April 2019 licence for the over-75s. Instead, this cost should  BBC radio – 2% in August 2018 followed by a continue to be borne by government, like all other further 2% in November 2018 welfare benefits. Should the BBC be forced to bear this cost, the impact would be a 20% cut to  BBC TV – 2% from 27 November 2018 the BBC budget (£745m from the BBC’s budget Our awards are an important part of our work in in 2021/2022) – a sum equivalent to the amount advocating for writers – to raise the profile of the the BBC spends on all its radio stations or on profession, support new writing and showcase how sports production, drama, film, children’s and important writing is to our culture. Our annual entertainment and comedy content. Writers’ Guild Awards go from strength to strength We have responded positively to the consultation and this year we introduced a new category – Best of the extension of the iPlayer, stating that as long Musical Theatre Bookwriting. Our Olwen Wymark as writers continue to be paid for iPlayer use via Theatre Encouragement Awards and Tinniswood Writers Digital Payments then we support the audio drama script award are two other important extension. dates in our annual calendar. We have met programme executives from the With writers coming together through our major television soaps to address concerns union we can bring about change. None of our members have raised about working practices, achievements over the past year would be possible including the number of rewrites, rewrites vs without writers getting active, as a great deal of re-brief, deadlines within deadlines and bullying this work is driven by our committees – volunteer behaviours. This work has resulted in positive members themselves who give a great deal of their changes. The BBC/PMA/WGGB have signed off time to take part in negotiations and campaigns or Guidelines for Best Practice in Working with organise our events and awards. I would like to Writers on BBC Continuing Drama Series which thank them, and all our Executive Council Officers, have been distributed across the soaps. for their continued hard work this year. I would like to offer a special thank you to the out-going In the nations, prior to BBC Scotland channel getting Chair Gail Renard and President Olivia Hetreed the green light by Ofcom last year, we negotiated for the support they have given me over the past contractual terms for scriptwriters applicable to year and for the exceptional work they have done BBC4 and put protections in place on script fees on behalf of WGGB members, including leading for River City writers. At the Welsh language on bullying and harassment, equality, international

4 WGGB annual report 2018-19 representation and transforming the WGGB More and more new and experienced writers are Awards. I would also like to thank all our dedicated joining our ranks every year. If you are a are one of staff and welcome Nadine Edwards who joins the this growing number, welcome aboard. If you are a staff team as an Organising Assistant. longstanding member, thank you for your support over the years. If you are reading this and are not I would like to thank all WGGB members – a member, please join – we welcome writers at all without you, there would be no WGGB – and by stages of their careers, and just by signing up you working collectively we have the strength to move will make a difference and support our vital work. mountains. Ellie Peers General Secretary

Writers taking part in an evidence session at the Performers Alliance Parliamentary Group enquiry Breaking the Class Ceiling Photo: Dr Dave O’Brien

WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers, (pictured front row, far left) joins the WGGB, BECTU and WGA-East demonstration outside ITV’s shareholders AGM in London. Photo: Prospect

www.writersguild.org.uk 5 Chair’s report I’m happy to report that the WGGB is stronger than ever. Our membership is rising and we’ve welcomed another new member of staff, our Organising Assistant, Nadine Edwards. We’re continuing to fight and lobby on many fronts.

I can’t say anything new about Brexit because at Photo: the time of writing we might be in, out or still Em Fitzgerald shaking it all about. No matter what the outcome, the WGGB is keeping many steps ahead to protect members’ copyright, income and futures. I’ve been something will be done. You have the right to be in Westminster so much they could charge me treated with respect and not to have to work in a rent. We’ve also been busy internationally going climate of fear and exhaustion. With so many new to meetings of the FSE (Federation of European opportunities, writers can take back control of their Screenwriters) and IAWG (International Affiliation of work, filming shorts, uploading sketches, writing Writers’ Guilds.) In today’s global market what affects blogs and e-books. I encourage writers to look one, affects us all. towards Netflix, Amazon and other new platforms where you can do original work and it doesn’t take Our #EqualityWrites campaign continues to gain three years to get a response. Next year consider momentum. There’s hardly a panel discussion or going to Series Mania in Lille, France, where you’ll media piece where our campaign isn’t brought up, get a chance to meet with producers from all over often to the aggravation of some who would just the world, and your ideas will be listened to. British like the issue to go away. It won’t. Women writers writers are getting work on drama series in Europe, are starting to be more visible in the industry, but on co-productions that aren’t even British. Scripts we won’t be happy until we see 50/50 equality up on are being written in English. Even with Eurostar, it can stage and screen; not just as a blip, but as the new cost less than many UK screenwriters festivals. You’ll normal. get a WGGB discount too. Widen your horizons. The same goes for diversity. The WGGB has started I’m stepping down as WGGB Chair, having completed a new Equality and Diversity committee, chaired by my four-year term. I’ve loved every minute. It’s Sukie Fisher and Sumerah Srivastav. Together we’re been great to work alongside our EC, committees, all going to make the changes we want to see. For President Olivia Hetreed and our wonderful Deputy those worried about losing work, thanks to new Chairs, Lisa Holdsworth and William Gallagher. platforms there’s more scripted content than ever Many thanks to our incredible staff, Lesley Gannon, before. We’re just levelling the playing field. John Sailing, Sarah Woodley, Kate Glasspool, Rose We’ve also taken a step forward in comedy, where Clooney and Nadine Edwards, and a special bow to only 11% of scripts are written by women. The lie we Ellie Peers, our General Secretary, who’s been a joy keep hearing from commissioners is that they can’t to work with. find women comedy writers. With the help of ITV’s It’s been a privilege to be Chair in the WGGB’s 60th Comedy Controller, Saskia Schuster, we’re happy to anniversary year and to honour the writers who announce Comedy 50/50, an independent database came before us and risked their careers to give us the of women comedy writers. Hundreds of previously strong WGGB we have today. We stand on giants’ invisible women have registered. We exist. Let us into shoulders. the room. I’ve been re-reading Nick Yapp’s history of the I take my hat off to Continuing Drama Series writers. WGGB, The Write Stuff. I want to share a recurring They provide close to a public service, making millions fact from the past 60 years which has kept me going of people happy daily, writing award-winning shows in harder times: the Guild never loses. Remember under often difficult conditions. The Guild has new that when you’re going forth to do battle. Guidelines for Best Practice in Working with Writers on Continuing Drama Series which the BBC and ITV Gail Renard have signed up to. We know they are sometimes Chair ignored. If they are, please contact the WGGB where your information will be treated anonymously and

6 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Chair Gail Renard, President Olivia Hetreed and Deputy Chair Lisa Holdsworth (pictured left to right) backing the call for more climate change plotlines on film and TV. Photo: BBC News screenshot

WGGB Chair Gail Renard (middle) and General Secretary Ellie Peers (right) with Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage Kevin Brennan (left) at a cross party lobby of MP’s and Peers on the potential impact of Brexit on the audio-visual industry. Photo: Lesley Gannon

www.writersguild.org.uk 7 President’s report

This is my final report as President of the Writers’ Guild, a role I did not expect to take on but which I have found immensely rewarding and to be a great honour. I have Photo: represented the Guild around the world – I Robert am writing this in a Berlin hotel room, having Taylor Photography spoken to the European Publisher’s Forum about adaptation and the role of the Guild in protecting and promoting IP. Still not Talking of American Guilds, one of the most entirely sure if I’m a wolf in the sheepfold in dramatic rows of recent months is that between that gathering or a goat in a tiger forest! the WGA, E&W (Writers’ Guild of America, I am so proud to leave the Guild in such good shape, East and West) and the agencies, over something a situation to which my contribution has been minor. called packaging. You can read David Simon on this Exhaustive and exhausting work by the Officers and (https://davidsimon.com/but-im-not-a-lawyer-im- Staff of the Guild has produced a union which is a an-agent/) real force to be reckoned with as a campaigning or plenty of other great accounts of this practice, organisation – witness the ongoing visibility of our but the fundamental problem is that the agents have Equality Writes campaign, which has also spawned not been working for their clients’ benefit – the new activism among our members – and, under writers, actors and directors – but for their own Ellie Peers’ fearsome leadership, an unstoppable enrichment. At once shocking and not shocking negotiator of better terms and conditions. We are at all. Did we really expect flawless integrity from working with our fellow unions in the FEU – yes, Hollywood agents? The upshot is that WGA writers I’ve become acronym-happy these past six years (the have been sacking their agents in protest – this is Federation of Entertainment Unions) – to change the power of the closed shop at work – and taking permanently the culture and the regulation around the fight to the top. UK writers who are also bullying and harassment issues. The Awards are WGA can get full information and advice on established as a highlight of the year and an accolade what they do and don’t need to do treasured and coveted by writers. (see https://writersguild.org.uk/we-stand-with-wga/). At the time of writing it is not yet resolved but it’s a But there is always more to be done and new powerful message of solidarity. challenges to face up to. Negotiating a new Film Agreement has proved frustratingly slow but the We too must stand together, with each other Film Committee persists and is making small but and with our fellow unions, to make sure that the measurable progress. The rise of the mighty SVODS current opportunities are to the benefit of our – we all know that one I’m sure (OK, streaming divided country – compassionate, insightful, humane video on demand) – means a whole new area of writing has never seemed so vital – and to the negotiation opens up to get decent terms for our benefit of our members. members in this thrillingly expanded field of TV writing. Offshore, unaccountable, notoriously secret Olivia Hetreed about their own data, while ruthlessly harvesting all President of ours, Netflix and Amazon are formidable enough, with a rush of other players coming in behind them. They have made terms with the American Guilds so we know it can be done, but it’s not easy even to get in the room.

8 WGGB annual report 2018-19 #FEUDignity: President Olivia Hetreed (far left) chairing a panel on challenging sexual harassment in the creative industry as part of the FEU’s Creating without Conflict: From Disbelief to Dignity conference held in 2019. Photo: Mark Thomas

The inaugural award for Best First Novel went to White Chrysanthemum written by Mary Lynn Bracht (left) was presented by Sheena Kalayil (right). Photo: Matt Writtle

www.writersguild.org.uk 9 Finance report

WGGB continues to be in good financial is administered by a committee comprising of shape. The General Fund, the amount that volunteer members, and it has a committee chair the WGGB has in its bank account for appointed by the Finance Committee (FC). paying wages, rent and other expenses, saw There is one area where we are operating in a a balance carried forward at the end of the deficit, the position of Treasurer remains unfilled. 2018 WGGB financial year of £579,472. The General Secretary is working closely with our Accountant, keeping the day-to-day finances in There has been increased expenditure on WGGB check and reporting directly to the FC. So if you meetings and activities, indicating more members are eligible and can spare a little time, then put are participating in union activities. We’ve also yourself forward as WGGB Treasurer. spent more on contract vetting and legal advice for members, due in part to an increase in the number I will take this opportunity to thank all the and complexity of cases requiring external advice. volunteer members of the Finance Committee for The final area of increased expenditure has been their wisdom and diligence in managing the WGGB on our infrastructure replacing all the outdated finances; Richard Pinner, John Wilsher, Rupert IT and communication equipment, giving staff the Creed, Gail Renard, Lisa Holdsworth, Antony tools to provide effective support to members and Pickthall and William Gallagher. volunteer activists. I end with a quote from our previous Treasurer, The Royalties Account (which holds funds for Andy Walsh, “Thanks must also go to you. As a distribution to writers) received £10,855 and member, you are a writer who decided to stand up distributed £19,882 in payments to writers through and be counted. Without you there would be no 2018. A total of £47,648 was carried forward. Guild. From finances, budgets, spreadsheets should come agreements, protection and a loud voice for The Welfare Fund, which provides grants/loans writers. We hope that you continue to be there for and assistance to members in times of trouble, the Guild as the Guild is there for you. The more continued to provide help through 2018, making a members we have, the stronger we shall be.” series of soft loans and grants in excess of £10,700. Following a Welfare review it was decided to Ellie Peers, General Secretary write off £2,000 of unpaid loans. With donations on behalf of the Finance Committee from members of £2,532 across the year, this left the fund’s balance as £48,372. The Welfare Fund

Members of the WGGB Finance Committee hard at work. Photo: Em Fitzgerald

10 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Craft committee reports

writer’s craft from censorship, commodification and disintegration. As with other craft areas, book writers are also still fighting to get paid (and paid well) for their work – especially as publishers are under pressure from the internet and world digital market, from self-publishing and social media. Thus, the ability of writers to get published by a pukka establishment has simply got harder. As has getting agent representation. Publishers and editors now look at Instagram and Twitter posts first and

foremost. The more ‘followed’ a writer is, the more

likely they are to get a publishing deal. Plus, if a book

is a slow seller, it can mean there will be no other deals forthcoming. BOOKS This situation makes many bourgeoning writers feel Books are still surviving, despite the utter despair about earning a decent living from onslaught from the digital age and the writing books. Indeed, it has got tougher to live on blurring of boundaries in the written book earnings (unless you wrote Fifty Shades or Harry word media. People still read books – Potter), especially with the closure of libraries and albeit in many different forms and in many the limiting of opening hours, thus affecting earnings through the Public Lending Right (PLR) and the different ways. Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). There is an interesting parallel between the age There are also many blurring boundaries today of videos and DVDs (which were believed to be between books and films, box set series and books, threatening to eliminate the cinema), with e-books podcasts and blogs. All written media seem to be creating a threat for real paper books. The latter may evolving and shape-shifting into different forms and be less frequented now, but are still a fond option, cross-genres, not only in books, but in film and with a significant number of people being attached to TV, theatre and radio. In the future it may well be the visceral experience of going to a favourite cinema difficult to identify craft areas as they merge into and reading a paper book. Many people still love some kind of multimedia whole. feeling a volume in their hands and turning dog-eared pages in delight on a journey, in bed, in a café or All this said, all is not lost. Definitely not. The Books simply in the open air. Committee of the Guild has spent the past year hoping to keep books alive as an area of craft. People In fact, we are in an era where people “mix and are still passionate about books and writing and the match” the reading media they dip into, including Guild is still a hugely important part of published real paper books and digital devices. This is similar to authors’ lives for all sorts of reasons, not least their still buying newspapers for in-depth news and advising on contracts, publishing and payment. features, while skimming the internet on devices for quick news bytes. Whatever our particular reading The second year of the Best First Novel proclivities, however, people are still wanting access Award ended in January 2019 when The White to books – old and new form – and are keen to Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn-Bracht was the jury’s protect the art of writing from being taken over by unanimous first choice. This was an extraordinary our inevitable AI future. What’s more, people still and maturely written story of Korean Heaynu, or want to write books – fiction, non-fiction, all sorts. female deep-sea divers, and their pressing into prostitution as “comfort women” by Japanese So, this means the Writer’s Guild will continue soldiers during the Second World War. Also to have its hands full in the decade to come, as shortlisted was the brilliantly written and creative it has done in the past 60 years, to protect the In Our Fast and Furious City by Guy Gunaratne and

www.writersguild.org.uk 11 Craft committee reports the quirky yet exhilarating The Gods of Love by The Books Committee is always glad to hear from Nicola Mostyn. The prize was awarded by last you, especially if you have some time to spare year’s winner Sheena Kalayil (The Bureau of Second to promote the invaluable work of the WGGB. Chances). We believe that there is an art in writing both fiction and non-fiction, and we pledge to keep the The Books Committee has also raised the issue of quill, rollerball and keyboard alive. We welcome increasing the annual author fees at the PLR and members from any field or genre or cross-genre – lobbied on the devastating effects Brexit will have the wider the better. on the book trade. The Committee has researched serious issues surrounding digitalisation of academic Corinne Sweet books and records. A publication is being prepared Chair on self-publishing and e-books and authors’ rights. The Books Committee has grown this year and we are always open to new members. During the next year we aim to set up sub-groups so we can become more effective in terms of public speaking, attracting new members and fighting for authors’ rights and better pay.

many writers on panel shows are not being credited properly, and as a result are not receiving the royalties due to them. We’ll be chasing companies who’ve been running off with our hard-earned residuals, and as Gail often reminds us, the Guild never loses! It’s been a difficult year for ITV but despite the suggestion, later denied, that the days of narrative comedy on ITV1 were numbered, we’ve seen a number of new shows on ITV2. Head of Comedy Saskia Schuster has been a great friend to the Guild and an avid supporter of our Equality Writes campaign. She has instigated a target of 50/50 for COMEDY male/female writers by 2023 and is inspiring members throughout the Guild. Kay Stonham, who has been I’m delighted to report that three years very active in pushing for more female writers in on from our euphoric energised inception, comedy, has moved to the Diversity committee and enthusiasm remains undimmed. The we’re sure she’ll do great work there. formation of our committee and our efforts Also, sad to say a temporary goodbye to James Cary, to champion the writer-led show have who is currently touring his new theatre show but coincided with a rare burst of writer-led plans to come back to us soon. In the meantime productivity on the BBC and , and we’ve recruited Daniel Page, Nathaniel Tapley, while I don’t think we can take too much Brenda Gilhooly and Eddie Robson. I’d like to thank credit, we know commissioners have been the rest of the committee - Sian Harries, Carrie listening to our pleas for more scripted Quinlan, Abi Burdess, Neil Forsyth, Joel Morris and shows and more diversity across comedy. Shai Hussain for all their work and help. Here’s to an exciting year ahead.

In the coming year, inspired by Guild chair Gail Dave Cohen Renard, we have writer credits in our sights. Too Chair

12 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Andrea Gibb (left) and Line Langebek (right), Film Co-Chairs

FILM do to protect screenwriters and their rights. Whilst we will be stepping down as chairs this year, we Following last year’s publication of the intend to continue with the negotiations until we WGGB report into gender inequality in have a new Agreement in place. We are hoping this the film and television industries, many of will happen by the end of the year. our committee discussions have focused on Once again, our committee took part in viewing how we can push the conversation on and and voting for the Best First Screenplay and Best support the change that is needed. Screenplay for the WGGB awards in January. We watched more than 60 films then narrowed The report has had a huge impact in the industry them down to a final shortlist. This was difficult, already and there’s a definite groundswell for particularly in the first category, as the meaningful action. Along with members of the TV standard was high. We gave the award to Apostasy committee, we’re taking part in MP Tracy Brabin’s by Daniel Kokotajlo. Best Screenplay was won enquiry, ‘Breaking the Class Ceiling’, which looks at by American Animals, written by Bart Layton. This the issues of class in the industry. Improving diversity screenplay employs both fiction and non-fictional and equality in the film industry is a number one story-telling techniques which led to some interesting priority. discussions around what constitutes fiction. In the Consequently, the Equality Campaign group has been end we agreed that American Animals was indeed a working on a “Think. Stop. Commission” document. work of fiction. This is intended as a follow-up to the report which Once again we’d like to thank our film jury for asks financiers, commissioners and producers to volunteering their time and their expertise to these examine their own criteria for commissioning awards and to Phil O’Shea, film committee member, decisions, to think about how these decisions might for his excellent chairing. better reflect a diverse society and to change their practice to bring about meaningful change. This will The film committee is made up of working writers be distributed to all commissioners, producers, and we are grateful to them for their energy and agents and other decision-makers in the industry. commitment. This year’s committee was Olivia We need a culture shift alongside everything else and Hetreed, Phil O’Shea, Richard Deakin, Guy Hibbert, our campaign aims to address this. Tom Williams, Tosin Otudeko and Samantha Horley. Andrea Gibb and Line Langebek are Co-Chairs. Our other big focus has been the new Minimum James Hughes decided to step down to concentrate Terms Film Agreement that we have been negotiating on other work. with PACT and the PMA. The negotiations stalled last year but are now picking up pace again and we Finally, we’d like to thank the Guild staff for all their expect to have moved them on by the time this support in helping the film committee do their work. has been published. We are very clear about the shortcomings of the existing agreement and now Line Langebek and Andrea Gibb have a strong idea of what any Agreement needs to Co-Chairs

www.writersguild.org.uk 13 Craft committee reports

Nicholas McInerny (left) and Amanda Whittington (right), Radio Co-Chairs

RADIO In 2018 we had one Radio Drama Roadshow at Nottingham Trent University (29 October). I believe The Radio Committee is actively developing these events are a valuable way of introducing ways to raise the profile of radio drama the work of the Guild to prospective recruits and across the country – seeking to recruit hope to programme more over the next year. For new members to the Guild as well as example, I hope to speak at the Forthcoming Audio safeguarding radio dramatists’ rights in Drama Festival being held at Goldsmith’s College in a rapidly changing landscape. With the May 2019. launch of SOUNDS, BBC Radio drama is Once again, I was a project manager for the 5th increasingly reaching out beyond traditional UK International Radio Drama Festival which took formats to commission new plays for new place at Canterbury 18-22 March 2019. With 60 audiences. Naturally this presents both new entries and 48 selected for the competition, the opportunities and challenges. festival once again shone a light on the different traditions of radio drama from around the world, BBC SOUNDS describes itself as aiming “to give an especially exciting experience in these divisive people, especially younger listeners, the best in times. Recordings can be heard online at entertaining, experimental and highly creative audio. http://www.radiodramafestival.org.uk. The festival Our podcast commissions for BBC Sounds will also hosted a Q&A from Gillian Reynolds, and be distinct and will serve that younger audience was sponsored by the WGGB and ALCS. who are already more likely to listen online and on-demand”. Not only ambitious in terms of In 2018, my Co-Chair Amanda Whittington stood form and content, it has also required detailed down. I would like to thank my committee members negotiations via the regular BBC Radio Forum for their active support, commitment and good meetings, of which the Guild is an active part. humour – Nicholas Baldwin, Steve Chambers, Lucy Flannery, Martin Jameson, Katharine Way, The Guild also invited Alison Hindell, newly Phil Nodding, Gillian Richmond and Keri Davies. appointed as Radio Drama Commissioner, to its offices in March, to discuss both the Tinniswood Nicholas McInerny and Award (chaired by myself) and to introduce her Amanda Whittington to staff. The Radio Committee notes with some Co-Chairs concern the cuts in Radio Drama output, especially the Saturday Play and will continue to lobby for Radio Drama output in all its forms. We also continue to monitor the growing number of digital radio archives now available online.

14 WGGB annual report 2018-19 NEGOTIATIONS Following on from the long negotiations that took place last year, the new BBC Script Agreement for Television and Online (SATO) was finalised and came into effect. BBC writers received a 2% pay rise. Emmerdale writers, long underpaid, banded together and worked with Guild activists to secure a substantial pay rise – 5% increase in the basic fee from August 2018, and a further 5% uplift from August 2019.

FREE IS NOT AN OPTION TELEVISION “Free Is NOT an Option” is the name of the Guild’s ongoing campaign against low-paid and unpaid work. 2018-2019 was another busy year for the We continue to campaign for fair pay for TV writers. Guild’s TV activists and the staff members Whether creating new work or seeking employment who work with us on negotiations, on an existing show, writers should not be asked or campaigns and events. expected to do an unreasonable amount of work without payment. Guidelines about what is and is TV is one of the Guild’s largest craft areas. Our not reasonable can be found on our website under members write on every type of show and at every Free is NOT an Option, and helpful flowcharts are level. The Guild works hard on behalf of all writers, currently being finalised for all craft areas. We have from beginning and emerging writers to the most had meetings with producers and commissioners, well-known and established names. We advocate who have all agreed that producers should pay for for the creators of shows, for jobbing writers who work before taking it to broadcasters, and that contribute occasional episodes, for the established unpaid work is not acceptable. We appreciate that it core writers of long-running series and for writers of is hard for writers to resist requests for “just a few individual dramas. Some of this work is highly visible pages” and continue to urge writers to look at the – examples include the Guild Awards, the release Free is Not an Option guidelines, and contact the of our report into gender equality in film and TV Guild if in doubt. writing, and the many appearances of Guild activists and staff on TV, radio and other media to comment We cautiously welcome the return of the BBC on important industry issues or high-profile disputes. Writers’ Academy, which offers paid work to But most of our work happens in less public spaces. a carefully selected group of emerging writers, In TV, in addition to our ongoing negotiations with providing training and experience on both Continuing the BBC, ITV and PACT over remuneration and Dramas and original work. It is certainly a good conditions, we work hard to establish dialogue with alternative to unpaid trial scripts and unpaid or producers, commissioners and other gatekeepers low-paid shadow schemes. about such important issues as equality, bullying CONTINUING DRAMA SERIES and harassment policies and agreeing guidelines for best practice. We aim to resolve issues as All of the BBC Continuing Dramas (Casualty, amicably as possible, seeking the best outcomes for Doctors, EastEnders, and River City) our members, and this is usually best achieved by have signed up to a new set of guidelines drawn up avoiding the additional bad feeling which inevitably by the PMA, the WGGB and the BBC itself. These arises when arguments are carried out publicly, guidelines address many day-to-day issues about online or through the media. However, when a good and bad practice. public response is called for, the Guild is always In the past year, the TV Chair and General Secretary ready to react. of the WGGB had a series of meetings with the heads of some continuing dramas (soaps).

www.writersguild.org.uk 15 We discussed the conditions that all writers should the inevitable initial hostility and denial, there have reasonably expect to work under. been some very positive developments. A group of senior commissioners met with representatives from  Delivery dates should be respected. the Guild and the conversation soon moved to a  Writers have a right to family life and working more general discussion of equality. The Guild has reasonable hours. now formed an Equalities Committee to champion  Delay in the giving of notes should result in a the rights of under-represented groups. It is our corresponding extension of the writer’s deadline. intention to work with commissioners to help them  That last-minute changes of storyline should to question subconscious bias about who possesses result in a rebrief fee. “a safe pair of hands”.  Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. Leaving aside the work of writer-performers, Discussions were constructive and we hope that this comedy writing is one of the least diverse areas of all. signifies the good intentions of the production team, ITV has set up a database of female comedy writers even if the shows don’t always live up to their own which can be used by all bona fide production standards. So we encourage our members to keep companies looking for funny writers, to challenge the reporting good and bad practice so that we can hold familiar “we couldn’t find any” excuse. the producers to their word. Several members contacted the Guild with We have written to all our members who write concerns about a sitcom set in the British East Asian for BBC CDSs, and have had a lot of feedback. community. The Guild chaired a meeting between We encourage all our members to share their representatives of the broadcaster (BBC) and British experiences with us – the more we know and East Asians Working in Theatre and Screen (BEATS) understand the culture on long running shows, the and progress was made towards settling the dispute better we can help our members. and finding an acceptable way forward for the show.

EQUALITY PROJECT DIAMOND The independent report commissioned by the Guild The Guild continues to boycott Project Diamond, into gender equality in TV and film writing made the TV broadcasters’ diversity monitoring scheme. waves in the industry when it was finally released Several members have asked why this is, and what last year. The statistics spoke for themselves; in TV, this means in practice. To put it briefly, when Project women writers are under-represented in all genres Diamond was first announced, the WGGB actively and the more well-paid and prestigious the job, the supported and promoted the project. We withdrew more likely it will go to a man. Many women writers this support because programme-level data collected have been bold enough to stick their own necks by Project Diamond will not be shared, even in out and explain why it is not necessarily women’s confidence, with recognised trade unions. However, “choice” to write children’s and soap instead of we do not discourage our members prime-time thrillers. An open letter by a group of from completing and submitting equality female screenwriters was widely publicised. After monitoring forms.

WGGB, PMA agents and the BBC have signed off a new set of best practice guidelines for working with writers on continuing drama series.

16 WGGB annual report 2018-19 WORKING AS, OR WITH, THANKS A WRITER-SHOWRUNNER Thanks as ever to the TV committee for their More British shows are now adapting a writer- commitment and hard work. The current showrunner model, but how that works in practice committee members are Jenny Davis, Neil Forsyth, varies wildly from show to show. In order to help Lisa Holdsworth, Henrietta Hardy, Darren Jones, our members negotiate this tricky area, a TV Maggie Innes, Matt Leys, Sophie Petzal, Amy subcommittee is currently working on a set of Roberts, Katharine Way and Miranda Walker. best practice guidelines for working with writer- Thanks also to former members Kate Delin, showrunners. Shai Hussain and Chris Jury, who have stepped down this year. If you would like to influence the The subcommittee is made up of writers who have Guild’s policy in television, please contact the TV worked as lead writers, contributing writers or Chair at the Guild – we always welcome both. The aim is to create a set of guidelines for new activists. working with TV writers in a writers’ room setting, which provide support and suggested best practice Emma Reeves for Show Runners (SR) and contributing writers Chair employed by the SR.

WGGB won significant increase in fees for Emmerdale writers. Photo: Shutterstock/James W Copeland

www.writersguild.org.uk 17 (left) and Jenifer Toksvig (right), Theatre Co-Chairs

THEATRE including help, support, advice and some other membership benefits. Several playwrights have already Many of our activities and achievements this taken up the offer. year follow on from last year and the year before, with one major exception. At the end of the Dramatists’ Guild stay, WGGB organised an event at the Royal Court to present We have continued to mine our research into the the DGA’s exemplary guidelines on playwrights and way in which British theatre companies relate to devising to British playwrights. playwrights, to negotiate with UK Theatre (UKT) In addition to the Good Neighbour Initiative, Samuel about non-compliance with our agreements, to seek French is matching a scheme to provide free tickets for to incorporate live streaming into our agreements, playwrights in New York with a similar scheme here. to meet with the Arts Council and to pursue a new iteration of the Playwrights’ Progress development In 2017-18, we held two meetings (in London and project. We are delighted that – at last – musical Manchester) to explore and discuss how playwrights theatre bookwriting was among the prizes at the relate to theatres beyond our collective Agreements. Writers’ Guild awards. The project was organised and led by Theatre Committee co-chair Jen Toksvig, who produced The new development is the forging of links with the a report on the discussions and the survey, in Dramatists’ Guild of America, which has already born collaboration with Theatre Committee members, practical fruit. General Secretary Ellie Peers, and Assistant General Following a visit by co-chair Jenifer Toksvig to New Secretary Lesley Gannon. The report contains a York to attend a Dramatists’ Guild of America number of proposals, including a directory of venues conference on devising, WGGB hosted three events producing new work and clear statements from during the visit of a senior DGA delegation to London companies about their resources and procedures. from 22-24 October. During a dinner (attended by The report was presented to a Literary Managers’ Theatre Committee members, alongside playwrights Forums, held at the Almeida on 5 October. David Eldridge, Tanika Gupta, Nina Raine and April At our March Committee meeting, Jen and Lesley de Angelis) it was agreed that the two organisations presented a plan for an online publication, titled should explore collaborating. As a result, a guest The Working Playwright: Theatre Writing Handbook, membership scheme (the Good Neighbour Initiative) half of which would be directed at playwrights and has been launched, designed to welcome and assist the other half at producers. A draft of this will be American playwrights visiting Britain and British presented to two Literary Managers’ Forums, one in playwrights visiting America. In addition to a London and one in Scarborough, later this year. website providing contractual and other information (https://www.dramatistsguild.com/goodguest/), During the year efforts were made to relaunch the members of both guilds are granted temporary guest playwrights’ development programme Playwrights’ membership when working in the other country, Progress, initiated by Committee member Richard

18 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Pinner some years ago. Last summer Richard, Debbie is being set up on a more permanent footing, we are McAndrew and Nick Wood met with a delegation insisting that the NT negotiates with us on terms (as from the New Vic and Northern Broadsides; a further they have done with Equity). meeting with Northern Broadsides discussed new During the year we have negotiated increased rates forms for the project, and the drawing-up of a new for playwrights with the TNC and the Independent funding application. Theatre Council. An agreement on increased rates The Committee has continued to meet regularly UKT has not been implemented. with Arts Council England. On 31 May last year, a Over the past few years, we have been in discussion delegation led by Richard Pinner met with Director of with Stage Directors UK about their campaign to Theatre Tarek Iskander and Alex James (relationship increase payments to directors, which we support manager, London). Topics discussed included: new wholeheartedly. Both bodies have been concerned grants schemes (including the new funding stream that any increase in directors’ royalties should not be Developing Your Creative Practice, which supports at the expense of playwrights, and that playwrights’ independent artists, including writers), ageism, copyright should not be infringed. In collaboration funded theatres’ compliance with the UKT/WGGB with Equity, SDUK has won a substantial increase Agreement, and Playwrights’ Progress. The next in fees for directors, but without any agreement meeting is scheduled for 30 April. on royalties, which will be addressed in future Our negotiating team continues to seek to conclude negotiations. a deal with UK Theatre on noncompliance by its In January, for the first time, the Writers’ Guild members with the UKT/WGGB Agreement. Our awards included an award for musical bookwriting, for offer is that, in exchange for a new and lower which the Committee has campaigned for three years. studio theatre payment rate (and other benefits for The selection panel was chaired by Samuel Adamson theatres), UKT would set up a robust system of and the winner was Tom MacCrae for Everybody’s enforcing the Agreement. On 21 May 2018, we met Talking about Jamie. The best play award was to finalise (as we’d hoped) this agreement but talks presented by Roy Williams and won by Frances Poet broke down over the issue of rehearsal payments (in for Gut. The best play for young audiences award was which we’d asked for minor improvements). Although again presented by Roy, and won by for noncompliance appears to have receded as a major Beginners. A musical theatre kit – jointly drawn up by problem, we were unhappy with walking away from WGGB and the Musicians’ Union – was published by the talks, and so suggested that a working-party both unions. attempt to resolve the rehearsal payments issue. A new proposal was delivered, and discussed at a On 8 February, our annual Olwen Wymark Awards well-attended meeting between our team and the were held at the Royal Court, honouring individuals PMA (agents) on 22 October. At this meeting, it and organisations that have made a particularly strong was agreed that – despite many frustrations – we contribution to playwrights and playwriting. As usual, should reopen talks with UKT (not least as our offer this was organised by David James, and proved – as on studios is to the benefit of the theatre industry ever – one of the highlights of our year. The winners as a whole). We met on 2 May and hope to have a were artist and producer Ali Al Zougbi (nominated resolution soon. by Hannah Khalil), director Kate Budgen and dramaturg Sarah Dickenson (nominated by Samantha We have also sought to include terms for live and Potter), Greyscale artistic director Selma Dimitrijevic encore streaming of plays in the TNC Agreement (nominated by Sean Burn), Player and Playwright (which covers the RSC, the Royal Court and the group activist Peter Thompson (nominated by Karen National Theatre, which conducts most UK theatre Bartholomew), teacher Martin Cort (nominated by streaming, of its own and other theatres’ work). We Mary Rensten) and, indeed, David James himself (Evi met with the National Theatre on 15 February, for Stamatiou). a general fact-finding discussion, during which we learnt that the National had come to an agreement We have retained the collegiate structure of the on its On Demand in Schools programme for writers, Committee and its work. David Edgar and Jenifer creatives and actors to waive fees during a three-year Toksvig are Co-Chairs, with Jenifer representing pilot programme of free streaming. Now the scheme theatre on the EC. Our TNC/UKT negotiating team

www.writersguild.org.uk 19 has expanded: David and Nick Wood have been joined We gained four new Committee members during the by Sarah Woods, Vanessa Brooks and Dan Rebellato. year: Jan Woolf, Poppy Corbett, Rosamund Gravelle Richard Pinner leads on the Awards (last year’s and Alan Spence. During the year Adrian Beckingham readers were Debbie McAndrew, Roy Kendall, Amelia left the Committee. The full Committee is Alan Bullmore, Lisa Evans, Brian McAvera, David James, Spence, Amelia Bullmore, Brian McAvera, David Edgar, Vicky Ireland and Nick Wood). Deborah McAndrew, Jan Woolf, Jenifer Toksvig, Lisa Evans, Nick Wood, Poppy Corbett, Richard Pinner, We are grateful to all Committee members for their Rosamund Gravelle, Roy Kendall, Sarah Woods, and work and their enthusiasm, as well as to WGGB Vanessa Brooks. Having served for three years as staff. Both General Secretary Ellie Peers and Assistant co-chairs, David Edgar and Jenifer Toksvig are stepping General Secretary Lesley Gannon have played a crucial down as co-chairs, Vanessa Brooks and Richard Pinner role in negotiations with both UKT and TNC during have been nominated to take over these roles, and if the year and have provided vital advice and help to the elected will do so after the AGM. Committee on the development of the new Theatre Writing Handbook in particular. David Edgar and Jenifer Toksvig Co-Chairs

The recipients of this year’s Olwen Wymark Awards, celebrating at the Royal Court Theatre. Photo: Kate Glasspool

20 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Craft committee reports

VIDEOGAMES Aside from supporting the work necessary for the WGGB’s videogames award, the committee has been progressing key initiatives aimed at increasing recruitment and to opening the videogames industry to a wider range of writers. We have attended talks and events to promote the work of the WGGB. The committee’s annual panel took place in December 2018 and covered the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ industry continues to evolve quickly, the committee videogames writing. Well attended, the event wishes to review and revise these guidelines to received great feedback. This panel has been keep them up to date. It is hoped that the release followed by a number of networking events that of these revised guidelines will form the central have been used to promote the WGGB videogames pillar of a new recruitment drive to bring more guidelines and to make contact with games writers videogames writers into the WGGB. on behalf of the WGGB. Changes made to the way we promote our events has seen a positive increase in the diversity of attendees. Andrew S. Walsh Moving forward from 2019 into 2020 the committee On behalf of the Videogames Committee has begun a review of the survey used as the basis for the WGGB videogames guidelines. As the

The Videogames Committee is currently revising its guidelines for games writers

Photo: Shutterstock.com/para www.writersguild.org.uk 21 Branch reports

EAST MIDLANDS LONDON AND SOUTH EAST In the past year, the London & SE committee have organised two major membership events. The first, a new member welcome evening at The George, was well attended. About 40 people registered, and about 25 of those came along. They were greeted by members of the Executive Council, and all agreed it was an excellent evening of peer-to-peer support and the sharing of industry info. WGGB into how members like to be contacted The second event, in 2019, was an open space event by, and connected to, the Guild, the London & facilitated by Improbable theatre company as part SE Committee will connect with other regional of their Devoted and Disgruntled series of industry committees to consider the role we play and work events supported by Arts Council England. we do on behalf of members, and how best to optimise that work. It was a very successful event. Writers themselves raised topics for conversation, which ranged from This includes consideration of: questions about adapting novels for the stage, to splitting the region into London, and the craft advice about musical theatre, to conversations SouthEast, as two separate regions about fundraising. considering how the EC allocates seats to the The Dramatists Guild of America was also in regions, and perhaps proposing proportional attendance. Together, we launched the new Good representation Neighbour Initiative: a guest membership for those visiting and making work in the other country.  the work of regional committees in organising member events We made provision for two BSL interpreters to ensure the event was fully accessible. the work of regional committees in being connected to the region’s engagement with There was excellent feedback on this event from the arts, through specific companies, and/or attendees, and the committee feels it may be worth local councils doing this once a year. We intend to organise future events including panels In changes to our working process, the Committee of experts, tours of interesting industry locations, has agreed that meeting once a month seems too and social gatherings. frequent, and we have agreed to meet four times a year. Gary Thomas Following some upcoming research by the Chair

The WGGB collaborated with Improbable theatre company to host a ‘Devoted & Disgruntled’ open space event for writers in all craft areas. Photo: Jenifer Toksvig

22 WGGB annual report 2018-19 SOUTH WEST (DEVON AND CORNWALL)

The best-laid plans of mice and men! Regretfully, personal ill health issues inhibited the progression of my plans for WGGB South West (Devon and Cornwall) during the first half of the year 2018/2019. A major medical operation put pay to any progression of my plans for the second half of the year. I look forward to getting back on track during the Do feel free to contact me about any writing issues coming months and supporting all WGGB SWDC specific to you or your area. I can’t promise a members to fulfil their desired writing potential. resolution but I can promise my attention. Apologises to any member inconvenienced by my Malcolm Kat circumstances. I now look forward to meeting up with Chair you all during the coming year.

SOUTH WEST (WESSEX)

I’m sure the Wessex region isn’t the most sprawling of Guild areas, though it does run from the Dorset coast to the edge of the Cotswolds. But it does still mean that members are somewhat scattered, and organising events that most can attend is difficult. However, I have travelled to or organised informal events in Bournemouth and Bath, and hope to do more of this in the future. It’s vital that we, as writers, keep talking to each other and sharing our stories and insight. I would love to hear from any The South West TUC have been putting together a local Guild members regarding events that regional Creative and Leisure Industries Committee and a manifesto for the creative and cultural they would like to see (and if you have industries. The Guild has been involved with this, and the time to help organise something, no I’ve attended a meeting at the TUC offices in . matter how low key, then that would be I’m keen to make as much as I can of – for example – great as well). the filming ofPoldark and the final season ofFortitude at the Bottle Yard Studios, and there will be future Of course, most of my contact with Guild members meetings, possibly with local MPs, to ensure that the is via email, and I like to think that even if I don’t have region remains committed to and involved in arts and the answers, I can usually find someone who does. culture in the future. And we are lucky, in as much we do have a hub in the region, namely Bristol, which Channel 4 is in the Martin Day process of making its English ‘Creative hub’ (alongside Leeds as the new National HQ and Glasgow as the Chair Scottish hub). It will be interesting to see what impact this might have on local writers.

www.writersguild.org.uk 23 WALES It has been another busy year for the Wales Committee, a year that has seen resolutions to some withstanding issues and a year in which new challenges have come to the fore. In the world of broadcasting there are two developments to report. Firstly, after a period of consulting and negotiation we reached a deal with S4C regarding their online service Clic. The new deal allows them not only to show archive material on Clic but also allows them the possibility of extending the catch-up the new relationship between them and Llenyddiaeth period on their drama series for up to 90 days (instead Cymru will affect grants and bursaries to writers. We of the previous limit of 30 days). During negotiations, were encouraged to learn that little has in fact changed. S4C accepted WGGB’s arguments that the archive Events-wise we have continued to hold the occasional material should be curated and carefully selected. The After Committee Meeting. The meetings offer our new-look service launched in December 2017. members an opportunity to meet and discuss issues Secondly, a new deal was also reached with BBC that affect us as writers in Wales with various people Studios Cymru/Wales regarding story-lining on Pobol who either work in the industry or who have a y Cwm. After lengthy and hard negotiations, which direct link to the industry. This year’s guests have included consultation with all 12 writers affected, included Catherine Paskell, Artistic Director Dirty we failed in our attempt to safeguard the number of Protest Theatre, and Bethan Sayed AM, Chair of episodes allocated to each story-liner but did, however, the Welsh Assembly’s Culture, Welsh Language and succeed in increasing story-lining fees. WGGB and Communications Committee. Helen Perry, BBC the BBC have agreed to review this new deal at our Writersroom Wales, will be attending one of our next Pobol y Cwm annual catch-up, which should be events in the near future. happening around September. We also continue to try and recruit new members In the world of theatre, WGGB supported some of and offer advice to future writers by attending events the points raised in an open letter signed by prominent such as Creative Pathways Careers Fair and The Other Welsh playwrights concerning the output of National Room Theatre’s New Artists Festival. Theatre Wales. As a direct result of this support, Ellie Finally, I would like to thank the Wales Committee Peers and I met with Lisa Maguire, Executive Producer members for their continuing support and their shared NTW, and Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director NTW, to aspiration to safeguard and improve the working life of discuss our position and to hopefully embark on a writers in Wales. constructive dialogue with NTW. William Gwyn Turning to books, a delegation of WGGB Wales Chair Committee members held an informal meeting with Cyngor Llyfrau Cymraeg to seek clarification on how

Writers in Wales are facing pressure across the board and the Welsh Committee has been working hard on their behalf this year

24 WGGB annual report 2018-19 WEST MIDLANDS The branch was extremely happy to welcome WGGB to the Library of Birmingham for last year’s AGM. It was gratifying to see so many members making the trip to our region and hope that we and other branches have the opportunity to host the AGM again in the future. The AGM also saw Chris Jury step down as Branch Chair. Since then he has also stepped down as WBBG rep on the Midlands TUC Culture and Leisure strengthen and forge fresh alliances with Writing Industries Committee (CLIC). Chris was instrumental West Midlands, Culture Central, Screen Central in setting up the CLIC and we would like to thank (previously West Midlands Producers’ Forum) and him for his valuable contribution. The branch has also the Birmingham Rep. Production in the region is welcomed several new members to our committee still chronically low, our arts sector is facing further although the door is always open to other West swingeing cuts from local government and the Midlands members who would like to get involved! scandalous imbalance in investment between London We hosted a very successful radio drama event and the rest of the country remains unaddressed. with Alison Hindell, Radio 4’s new Commissioning However, the region is also looking forward Editor for Drama and Fiction. The event was held to being City of Culture in 2021 and in The Archers studio at BBC Birmingham, where a Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in mixture of members and non-members listened to 2022, with the attendant cultural festival that will go Alison talk about her vision for the network, BBC with it. As a branch we are determined to lobby the Sounds, and how to get work on air. We have also organisers of both events to make sure that they continued holding our semi-regular “not-working” create genuine work opportunities for writers and social evenings. They are open to anyone working artists in our region and that they leave the creative in the creative industries, the one condition being economy stronger and more confident. that there should be strictly no networking! We Finally, a big thank you must go to the branch used one evening to say goodbye to the Home Front committee for all the work that they do, especially team, which has now finished production (leavingThe William Gallagher who, in addition to being WGGB Archers as the only radio drama made in Birmingham Deputy Chair, finds time to write our monthly branch once again), and another to celebrate the launch of Jo newsletter. You can also keep up with what we’re Toye’s new novel A Store at War. doing by following us on Twitter @WMWritersGuild Meanwhile, we have continued to promote WGGB at various events and careers fairs, including Midlands Tim Stimpson RTS, Warwick University and West Midlands Chair Screenwriters’ Forum. We are also working to

www.writersguild.org.uk 25 YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST It is my pleasure to represent the WGGB in Yorkshire and the North East. It is invaluable talking to other writers, and to help our members with whatever problems they may have. If you have anything I can help with, or any constructive feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The standout headline for Yorkshire & NE in the past 12 months is the news that Channel 4 has chosen Leeds for its new main regional headquarters. It is hugely significant and important decision, and one that places a major UK terrestrial many writers, regardless of whatever field they broadcaster in the heart of our region. work in, the London-centricity of their industries can feel they are shut out from decisions and It’s important to note that one of the reasons that opportunity. Are we now beginning to see a genuine Leeds won the bid was its emphasis on nurturing sea-change? And will other industries follow suit new creative talent and providing opportunities for and recognise that there is so much untapped talent existing talent for the whole region. It is essential outside the M25? We can but hope. that the broadcaster delivers on that promise and uses this as a springboard for a new era in regional Here’s to a productive and creative year ahead to all creativity. our members. So much lip service has been paid to the debate You can contact me by email on: about regional representation and access, but for [email protected]

BRANCH VACANCIES The position of chair for the following committees are vacant. Anyone who is interested in leading WGGB’s work in the area (or indeed would like to make a contribution to the Committee) should do one of the following:

Before 6 June 2019 deadline, visit https://writersguild.org.uk/ wggb-agm-2019-at-the-iconic-unicorn-theatre/ and download the Executive Council vacancies form. After 24 June 2019, email [email protected] for an update/ further details, unfilled seats will go out to the membership after the AGM.

Branch seats up for election in 2019 – East Midlands, North West Manchester and Lancs, North West Merseyside, Scotland and South West Wessex.

26 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Other reports

EDITORIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS The Editorial and Communications Committee helps set the communications strategy for the WGGB. Over the past year, we achieved the following: created a welcome pack for new members of the WGGB’s Executive Council worked together with the Dramatists Guild of updating our communications strategy America to share knowledge and best practice simplifying our membership criteria piloted new ways for the WGGB to engage with improving the ease of paying WGGB dues by its members over social media direct debit created a communications grid to ensure our If you think you could help the Editorial Committee messages get to the right people at the right time on these – or any other projects – we are always commissioned an update to The Write Stuff, the looking for new members. You don’t have to have history of the WGGB, for our 60th anniversary any experience, and it only takes a few hours each month. Just email [email protected] improved the navigation of the website to volunteer. analysed where our new members are Thanks to the following people who served on the coming from. committee this year: Poppy Corbett, Thom Fell, The committee is currently working on the Lesley Gannon, Kate Glasspool, Susannah Saary, following projects: John Sailing, Jenifer Toksvig, and Sarah Woodley. asking our members how they prefer to engage Piers Beckley with and receive information Chair

This year the Editorial and Communications Committee has broadened our presence on social media, enabling writers to connect more easily with the WGGB and with each other.

www.writersguild.org.uk 27 Obituaries

WGGB has sadly lost some long-standing of the following members, listed below members in 2018-19, who have contributed (obituaries can be found on our website: to the strength of the union over many www.writersguild.org.uk/ years. We would like to remember all category/obituaries/).

Denis Norden (1922-2018)

Ray Galton (1930-2018)

Stephen Jeffreys (1950-2018)

Polly Churchill: (1963-2018)

Photo:Photo: Shutterstock.com xxxxxxxx

28 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Remembering WGGB members:

DENIS NORDEN (1922-2018) Denis Norden was a comedy giant, WGGB stalwart and former Chair, whose writing shaped British comedy for over 70 years. He is remembered here by WGGB Chair Gail Renard Denis Norden was a former WGGB Chair, award-winning comedy writer and performer, gentleman and scholar. His writing shaped British comedy for over 70 years. Born in Hackney in 1922, Denis had a great love of Hollywood films. At the age of 17 he became the manager of a cinema in and organised variety shows. Like so many of his generation, the war changed his life. Denis served in the RAF with . They began to write and put on Photo: Gail Renard shows to entertain the troops to get off night duty. Looking for some lights for their show, they were sent to Bergen-Belsen just after it had been could do a whole show based on funny outtakes. liberated. They went back to their own camp to They called LWT director of programmes Michael gather all the food they could. Grade. In 30 minutes they had a commission. It’ll Be All Right On The Night ran for 29 years, Denis Denis was introduced to in 1947 and choosing all of the clips, writing the scripts and their great writing partnership began. Between presenting every show. them they wrote 300 episodes of starring and . Denis was a Writers’ Guild stalwart who was a The series lasted 11 years and had its own spin-off member of the Television Committee along with series, The Glums. Frank and Denis also wrote for Ray Galton, Alan Simpson and Jimmy Perry; a That Was The Week That Was, The Frost Report and reminder of the comedy giants who gave up their countless other radio and comedy shows. Their valuable writing time to improve all writers’ pay, spoof documentary , Gateway To The South rights and working conditions – and what meetings was recorded by and is still as funny those must have been. today as it was 50 years ago. Frank and Denis were Denis was also a Guild negotiator, Co-Chair also responsible for the immortal Carry On line, from 1965-6 and instrumental in establishing the “Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me.” International Affiliation of Writers Guilds. As Denis Muir and Norden were given a three-year contract said at the fifth annual Writers’ Guild Awards at the BBC as comedy writers and consultants. in 1966: “We effected last October a series of Denis left when his contract ended to go freelance, international affiliations with writers’ organisations finding the BBC stifling. Though Frank and Denis in other countries. So we now have what is called didn’t write together anymore, they continued a ‘global standpoint’. We can watch writers being appearing on the TV and radio panel shows, My screwed in 16 different parts of the world…” Word and My Music. They remained best friends all Denis won many awards and was honoured with their lives and rang each other every evening. a CBE in 1980. The one he said he cherished In 1977, Denis and Paul Smith, the future producer the most was the Lifetime Achievement Award of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, were laughing presented by the WGGB in 1999 for his services to over the famous Blue Peter clip where an elephant comedy and entertainment. disgraced himself on set. They wondered if they

www.writersguild.org.uk 29 Former WGGB Chair, Mike Sharland, paid tribute: back in time to put the kettle on. Denis was in his Denis was “a talented, nice, wise and very funny late 70s then but had enough energy for both of man – if you had lunch with Denis, you were us.” guaranteed plenty of laughter, lots of advice and This year we will be celebrating our 60th you would leave feeling the comedy world of our anniversary at WGGB. We’re still here largely time was a decent place to make a living.” because of the hard work of Denis and many WGGB Comedy Chair Dave Cohen added: “In others. the early 2000s I worked with Denis, writing jokes A man of great warmth, wit with a constant love with him for his It’ll Be Alright On Election Night of comedy, Denis always kept up to date with shows. I’d turn up early at his office in Rathbone all the latest comedy shows. Once when I didn’t Place, a small, top floor flat in an old house barely appreciate a series Denis told me, “Don’t be a converted to a place for writing. As I wheezed my fuddy-duddy about comedy, Gail.” He urged me to way up the stairs I found Denis making a cup of watch it again and embrace the new. Of course he tea. He’d already arrived earlier, gone for a quick was right. constitutional round his old haunts, a walk that would take in and the old Denis Norden was a unique writer and WGGB Paris Theatre in Regent Street, where all the great giant. post-war comedy shows were recorded, and come

30 WGGB annual report 2018-19 Published by Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU, May 2019 The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has made best efforts to ensure all information in this annual report is correct at the time of going to press. Up-to-date news can be found on the WGGB website: www.writersguild.org.uk Design: www.savageandgray.co.uk Please contact us if you need a large-print or text-only version of this report. Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7833 0777

31 WGGB annual report 2018-19